City staff asked the council to approve an application for a Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) transportation alternatives grant to fund Phase 1 of the Dresden Trail, a project that would run from Shallowford Road to Dresden Park along Dresden Drive. The proposed application seeks roughly $1 million with a 20% local match.

City planners said the phase is currently estimated at just under $1 million and that the grant application is due Oct. 31. Councilmember discussion was brief and supportive; staff asked for authorization to submit the application so the city can provide the required match if selected.

Staff also reported administrative budget work recognizing the sale of the city’s 2025 general obligation bond (approximately $30 million) and establishing budget lines for the Dresden Plaster special service district fund to support ongoing maintenance and staffing for new park assets. The city’s budget manager said the parks department is hiring a grounds person to maintain the new Dresden Park and that a task order with Kimley‑Horn for design of South Chamblee/Wood Acres Park will move forward as part of the voter‑approved park bond program.

Council authorized staff to proceed with grant application submission and to bring the specific procurement or contract documents for design work and bond appropriations back for formal approval at a future meeting.